Support Congressional Role on Iran Policy

Resounding majorities of the House and Senate have signed letters that delineate the necessary terms for a final agreement with Iran and stress the essential role of Congress – particularly if an acceptable deal requires sanctions relief or if a breakdown in talks requires additional sanctions legislation. The Senate version of the letter received 83 signatories, while the House version received 394.

The House letter was spearheaded by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

The letters lay out the acceptable parameters of a final agreement, including the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear weapons program. As President Obama has pledged, any agreement must “make it impossible [for Iran] to develop a nuclear weapon.”

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Key Points

Congress Has a Critical Role to Play in the Iran Talks
Since implementation of elements of any final agreement will almost certainly require new congressional legislation, it is entirely appropriate for Congress to continue playing its historic foreign policy role and help shape the outcome of the negotiations.

A Congressional Role Would Improve Prospects for Diplomacy
Congressional involvement would establish an important marker by detailing the terms of an acceptable final deal, affirming the oversight role Congress has in ensuring existing sanctions are maintained, and providing for additional sanctions if Iran refuses to negotiate an acceptable final agreement.

A Final Deal Must Result in the Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Any acceptable final agreement must lead to the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program such that it cannot develop a nuclear weapon. As President Obama has pledged, any agreement must “make it impossible [for Iran] to develop a nuclear weapon.”